Permanent and removable colored loop attachment mechanism full or partial cover for various types of helmets

ABSTRACT

A permanent and/or removable colored loop attachment mechanism cover for placement over the full or partial top of hard plastic exterior surfaces of helmets for a unique appearance and/or for securing lightweight soft structures with hook attachment mechanisms, specifically, but not limited to soft decorative patches. The permanent and/or removable colored helmet cover includes a dome-shaped loop attachment fabric attached to the helmet by any suitable method apparent to those skilled in the art.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a permanent and/or removable colored loop attachment mechanism cover for hard plastic helmets and more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a dome-shaped decorative helmet cover adapted for permanent and/or removable attachment, but not limited to a bike helmet, skate helmet, ski helmet, snowboard helmet, and other types of therapeutic helmets. These helmet covers can be provided in a variety of colors or conventional black and attach decorative patches with emblems and logos to the exterior surface of the helmet.

(b) Discussion of Prior Art

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,586 of Duguid, a supplemental protective pad for a helmet is documented to cover high risk, non-frontal impact areas such as the back and sides of the crown of the head with a plurality of compressible and crushable protrusions.

In U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,636 of Williams, a motorcycle helmet with a three-dimensional sculpture is illustrated permanently attached to the outer surface of the helmet. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,162 of Gill, a removable beanie-type motorcycle helmet cover is described with front snap attachments and rear hoop to loop fabric patch pairs between the interior covering surface and the exterior surface of the helmet. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,718,559 of Davidson, a motorcycle helmet is disclosed with existing snap-on attachments for decorative devices. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,848,122 of Meeds, a removable full coverage dual layer cloth helmet cover is articulated. In U.S. Pat. No. 7,802,321 of Boyd, a motorcycle helmet cover utilizes a malleable, elastic silicone skin to cover the exterior surface.

None of the above mentioned prior art patents specifically disclose the unique features, structure and function of the subject helmet cover.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a primary objective of the subject invention to provide a permanent and/or removable helmet cover adapted with loop attachment mechanism fabric to the exterior surface of any hard plastic helmet.

Another objective of the helmet cover is to be colored instead of conventional black, for added flare, if desired.

Still another objective of the helmet cover is to overlay any percentage of the external surface of the helmet.

Yet another objective of the helmet cover is to provide an option for a decorative object or objects to attach on the exterior surface of the helmet cover with a hook attachment mechanism, specifically soft patches.

Still yet another objective of the helmet cover is it can be used over a bike helmet, skate helmet, ski helmet, snowboard helmet, therapeutic helmets, and a variety of other types of helmets worn for head protection.

These and other objectives of the present invention will become apparent to those familiar with various types of helmet covers when reviewing the following detailed description, showing novel construction, combination, and elements as herein described, and more particularly defined by the claims, it being understood that changes in the various embodiments of invention are meant to be included as coming within the scope of the claims, except as they may be precluded by the prior art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention according to the best modes presently devised for the practical application of the principles, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a lateral view of a partial dome-shaped decorative permanent and/or removable cover positioned on a hard plastic helmet. The exterior surface of the helmet cover includes the loop attachment mechanism.

FIG. 2 is a lateral view of a partial dome-shaped permanent and/or removable loop attachment mechanism cover shown on top of a hard plastic helmet variation.

FIG. 3 is a lateral view of a soft decorative patch having the hook attachment mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In FIG. 1, a lateral view of the partial dome-shaped permanent and removable helmet cover that is positioned on a hard plastic exterior surface of a helmet. The helmet is a bicycle and skateboard helmet.

In this drawing, the dome-shaped fabric surface of the helmet is shown with the loop attachment mechanism intact and can have a number of color combinations including conventional black.

The dome-shaped fabric surface is able to conform to different contours of the hard plastic exterior surface of the helmet. Because the fabric is flexible, the helmet cover may fit various helmets using a single helmet cover application.

In FIG. 2, a lateral view of the partial helmet cover with loop attachment mechanism fabric shown on the hard plastic exterior surface of the helmet. The helmet is a ski and snowboard helmet or other type of helmet used for head protection during outdoor and indoor activities or therapy.

In FIG. 3, a lateral view of an embodiment of the helmet cover is shown. In this example, the helmet decoration includes a soft patch that attaches to the top and side portions of the fabric exterior surface of the helmet cover with a hook and loop mechanism.

Obviously, from reviewing the above-discussed drawings, the helmet cover is readily adaptable to various types of designs and objects for adding a different look to a helmet.

While the invention has been particularly shown, described and illustrated in detail with reference to the preferred embodiments and modifications, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention as claimed except as precluded by the prior art. 

The embodiments of the invention for which property right is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A permanent and/or removable helmet cover adapted for placement on the top of the hard plastic surface of any helmet for a unique appearance and/or for securing lightweight soft structures with hook attachment mechanisms, specifically, but not limited to decorative patches, comprising: a dome-shaped loop attachment mechanism fabric attached to the helmet surface by any suitable method apparent to those skilled in the art.
 2. The helmet cover as described in claim 1 where the loop attachment mechanism fabric can be exchanged for hook attachment mechanism fabric.
 3. The helmet cover as described in claim 1 where the attachment mechanism fabric overlays any percentage of the whole external surface of the helmet.
 4. The helmet cover as described in claim 1 where the dome-shaped loop attachment mechanism fabric is colored or conventional black.
 5. The helmet cover as described in claim 1 where the loop attachment exterior surface includes at least one decorative hook attachment mechanism structure, specifically, but not limited to a soft patch. 